The New York Knicks have taken decisive steps to solidify their roster for the upcoming NBA season, securing a deal with Cam Payne on Monday. According to WREG, Payne, the former Lausanne star, is set to join the Knicks for a one-year contract valued at $3.1 million.
Playing 78 games last season for the Philadelphia 76ers, Payne, who also had a stint with the Milwaukee Bucks, exhibited a promising mix of skill and experience on the court. In his tenure with the 76ers, he averaged 9.3 points and contributed 3.1 assists over 19.4 minutes per game, as per stats shared by RealGM. Despite a dip in performance during his time with the Bucks, his overall career numbers boast an average of 7.9 points, 3.3 assists, and a 36.9 percent success rate from beyond the arc.
Looking to fortify their backcourt depth, New York turned to Payne who, at nearly 30 years old, brings a seasoned perspective and playoff wisdom to the team. The Knicks filled one hole on their roster Monday, and have just one left, noted the New York Post, emphasizing the strategic grab for a reliable backup point guard. Payne's arrival also reunites him with new Knicks forward Mikal Bridges—the two previously played together with the Phoenix Suns.
Payne's signing goes beyond just adding depth; it addresses a critical performance gap. With last year's offensive rating plunging to 109.4 in the absence of Jalen Brunson, the Knicks sought a capable orchestrator for their offense, Payne, fits that bill. His playing time will also create an environment for second-round pick Tyler Kolek to transition into the league without undue pressure, allowing Miles McBride the flexibility to sharpen his off-ball skills.
However, not all news surrounding Payne has been positive. He was arrested on June 14 in Scottsdale, Arizona, on suspicion of giving a false police report. As reported by The New York Post, Payne purportedly refused to reveal his real identity during a disturbance and delivered misinformation to law enforcement, leading to charges of supplying a false name and filing a false report.
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